Daily Readings - Thu Jan 18 2024
1 Samuel
6As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.7And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands."8And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"9And Saul eyed David from that day on.
1And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David.2And Jonathan told David, "Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.3And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you."4And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.5For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?"6And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death."7And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.
Mark
7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea8and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,10for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.11And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."12And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on jealousy, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from 1 Samuel portrays David's triumph over the Philistine, which sparks Saul's jealousy. The women's praise of David's victory angers Saul, leading him to plot against David. However, Jonathan's loyalty and intervention highlight the contrast between Saul's jealousy and Jonathan's steadfast friendship. This narrative underscores the human struggle with envy and the importance of loyalty.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus surrounded by crowds seeking healing and recognition. Despite the unclean spirits acknowledging him as the Son of God, Jesus remains humble, instructing them not to reveal his identity. This humility and focus on his mission serve as a counterpoint to Saul's jealousy. Jesus's actions emphasize trust in God's plan and the importance of humility over human ambition.
These readings relate through their exploration of human emotions and divine humility. Saul's jealousy contrasts with Jonathan's loyalty, while Jesus's humility and focus on his mission offer a divine model. In our lives, we are called to recognize and manage our emotions, choosing humility and trust in God. Like Jonathan, we can stand by others in loyalty and truth, and like Jesus, we can remain humble, trusting in God's plan. Let us strive to embody these virtues, fostering a spirit of humility and trust in our daily lives.